Escape to Paradise: Melia Sharm's Luxury Awaits in Egypt!
Escape to Paradise: Melia Sharm - Promises, Promises, and a Whole Lot of Sand! (A VERY Honest Review)
Okay, so, Melia Sharm… Egypt. Paradise? Well, let's just say it's a complex paradise. I'm back, slightly sunburned (even after slathering on the SPF 50!), and ready to spill the tea. This review is going to be brutally honest, so buckle up, buttercups!
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- Keywords: Melia Sharm, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, Luxury Resort, All-Inclusive, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Beachfront, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Reviews, Travel, Accommodation, Family-Friendly, Accessible Hotels, Wi-Fi, Red Sea, Diving, Relaxation, Escape, Hotels
Accessibility:
- The Good: They say they're accessible. And, to their credit, the elevators exist. That's a win, right? And some ramps.
- The Not-So-Good: Look, navigating a sprawling resort is always a challenge, and sometimes the "accessible" routes felt a bit… circuitous. I’d say the pathways and the layout could be MUCH better for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.. I witnessed a few frustrating situations with other guests, which made me question whether Melia Sharm is truly as welcoming as they claim, regardless of their commitment.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges:
- The Good: Restaurants do have ramps but it is limited.
- The Not-So-Good: Limited choices. The accessible seating was not always the best seating.
Wheelchair Accessible:
- See above - A mixed bag.
Internet Access:
- The Good: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! (I needed to post my vacation selfies, duh!). And it worked, mostly.
- The Bad: Okay, let's be real. It occasionally dropped out at the most inconvenient moments. Like, mid-upload of a particularly flattering photo of myself on the beach. The speed also isn't the greatest. You'll probably have better luck using it for sending simple emails than streaming that show you've been meaning to watch.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services:
- See Above.
Wi-Fi in Public Areas:
- Yep, it's there. See above.
Things to do, ways to relax:
- The Good: Oh, the options! The sheer abundance is almost overwhelming. I spent most of my time in the Pool with View. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking the Red Sea? Chef's kiss. Pure bliss. The Spa (Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, sauna, massage) was a highlight. The massage was divine. Like, melt-into-the-table good. The view from the spa was stunning.
- The Okay: The Fitness center (Gym/fitness) was… well, it was there. It had treadmills and weights. It was clean. I don't love gyms on vacation, so I didn't spend much time there. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was huge.
- The Bad: I wanted to try the Foot bath and the Proposal spot, but never got around to it.
Cleanliness and safety:
- The Good: They take this seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt they really tried.
- The Okay: Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. Safe dining setup, check.
- The Not-So-Good (And It’s Minor): Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but some of the public restrooms could have been cleaned a little more often, especially near the pool.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- The Good (and Where I Ate Way Too Much): The Breakfast [buffet] was the stuff of legends. I'm talking mountains of pastries, an omelet station, fresh fruit, the works. The Restaurants, in generall, offer a huge variety. I loved the Poolside bar for quick snacks and drinks. It's a must for people-watching and some great cocktails during Happy hour. The A la carte in restaurant options were great. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always readily available. The Bottle of water was always available.
- The Okay: The Snack bar was good for a quick bite. The Asian cuisine in restaurantwas… decent. Some of the food was a bit over-seasoned.
- The Slightly Confusing: The Buffet in restaurant sometimes felt… chaotic. Everyone scrambling for food.
Services and conveniences:
- The Good: Daily housekeeping was great. The staff was friendly and helpful.
- The Okay: Concierge was useful, but sometimes a little slow. Cash withdrawal was easily accessible.
- The Annoying: The Wi-Fi for special events was a joke. The Xerox/fax in business center wasn’t needed.
For the kids:
- The Good: Family/child friendly is an understatement. Lots of kids' facilities, the pool, the snack bar.
- The Okay They were there.
- The Bad: This is a slightly chaotic hotel. They should have a babysitting service for parents to get some alone time.
Available in all rooms:
- See below
Rooms (My Sanctum!)
- The Good: The Air conditioning was a godsend, especially after a day in the Egyptian sun. The Bed was comfortable, and I appreciated the Blackout curtains. I loved the Bathrobes and Slippers. The Coffee/tea maker was essential in the mornings.
- The Okay: The Refrigerator was useful for storing drinks, but it barely kept things cold. the Mini bar was a little over-priced. The Seating area was comfortable but small.
- The Frustrating: The Shower pressure was sometimes weak. The Wi-Fi [free] connection was inconsistent, as previously stated.
My Emotional Rollercoaster – Or, The Melia Sharm Experience in a Nutshell
Okay, lemme be real. I went to Melia Sharm expecting paradise. Luxurious bliss. And I got flashes of it! The pool. The spa massage. The sunset over the Red Sea. Those moments were pure gold.
But… there were bumps. The Wi-Fi glitches. A few meals were a bit "meh." The accessibility issues, while improved, could still be refined. The sheer size of the resort? Sometimes, it felt like I needed a map just to get to the lobby.
The Verdict?
Melia Sharm is a beautiful resort, packed with amenities. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty to do, it's definitely worth considering. However, don't expect perfection. Be prepared for a few glitches and inconsistencies.
Would I go back? Maybe. I'd do my research, make sure to get a room close to everything. And I'd definitely be armed with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot (you know, just in case).
Final Score: 7.5 out of 10. Could be a 9 with a few tweaks! And maybe a stronger Wi-Fi signal. Until then, I'll keep chasing that perfect sunset shot.
Escape to Paradise: Your Nando Asciano Villa Awaits! (Belvilla by OYO)
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into the beautiful, the chaotic, and the wonderfully imperfect world that is my Melia Sharm El Sheikh escapade. This isn't your slick, perfectly polished travel blog – this is the REAL DEAL, warts and all. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and a whole lotta sunscreen.
Melia Sharm: Operation "Chill Out (Or at Least Pretend To)" - A Completely Subjective Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (AKA "Where's the Toilet Paper?")
- Morning (8:00 AM): Touchdown in Sharm! Honestly, the Sharm el-Sheikh airport is less "sleek modern terminal" and more "slightly chaotic desert outpost." But hey, the sun is blazing, the air smells of… well, it smells like Egypt, which is a mix of spices, exhaust fumes, and something vaguely floral. Finding the Melia transfer was a Herculean task involving frantic arm-waving, a near-miss with a luggage trolley, and the suspicion that the driver may or may not have been related to the actual hotel. Emotional State: Mild anxiety, fuelled by a lack of sleep and the lingering fear of lost luggage.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Arrived at the Melia. The lobby is stunning. Huge, airy, dripping with chandeliers. Definitely a "wow moment." Then… the check-in. Let's just say it involved a lot of paperwork, a slight language barrier (my Arabic is… nonexistent), and the frantic search for, you guessed it, the bathroom! After the check-in, finding my room felt like some sort of treasure hunt; I was led down winding corridors, past mysterious doors. Finally, I made it to my room. Quirky Observation: The minibar is stocked with things I've never heard of. Should I be adventurous, or play it safe with the water?
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Hit the buffet. Dear. Lord. Buffet food is a gamble anywhere, but this one had an entire section dedicated to pastries. Okay, decision made. Let's get the sugar rush started early. The chicken was… well, it was chicken. The hummus was excellent, though. Anecdote: I had a near-miss with a rogue falafel. It nearly flew off the plate and attacked a nearby child. I think my face gave away my inner thoughts.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Tried to relax by the pool. Attempted to achieve Zen. Failed miserably. The people-watching is already epic. The Germans are sunbathing with military precision. The Brits are already in full-on "lager-fuelled holiday mode." Emotional Reaction: A mixture of amusement and mild envy. I clearly haven't mastered the art of effortless poolside relaxation.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at one of the specialty restaurants. The service was great! I was a bit underwhelmed with the food. The seafood was decent and I was not disappointed with the dessert.
- Night (9:00 PM): Sat on the balcony and watched stars.
Day 2: The Red Sea Delusion: Snorkeling & Sunburns
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. More pastries. Regret. But hey, the view of the Red Sea is worth it. Anecdote: I tried to make a "healthy" breakfast choice. Ended up with a weird, gritty yogurt and a handful of dates. Still craving the croissant!
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): SNORKELING! (Or, as I like to call it, "Attempting to Breathe Through a Tube While Looking at Fish"). The Red Sea is breathtaking. Genuinely, jaw-droppingly beautiful. The coral is vibrant, the fish are EVERYWHERE. Quirky Observation: I spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out why one particular fish kept bumping into me. Turns out, it was just really curious. Emotional Reaction: Absolute awe. I felt like I was in a proper, colorful aquarium. Also, slight panic when a larger fish swam right at me.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Beachside restaurant. Burnt. Sunscreen, apparently, doesn't apply itself properly. Also, food was not as good as the restaurant, still… hungry. Rambling: I swear, the sun is stronger in Egypt. Or maybe I just didn't put enough sunscreen on. Or maybe it's a conspiracy by the sun lotion industry to make me spend more money! I felt more like a lobster than a human.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Pool time round 2. Hanging out near the bar is fun.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Buffet dinner again. I'm starting to see a pattern here… Messy Observation: I'm pretty sure there's a limit to how much falafel a human being can consume. Is this true? I still can't get enough.
- Night (9:00 PM): Went for walk on the beach. So peaceful, this is the best moment I had!
Day 3: Desert Debacle & Spa Sanity
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Okay, I promised myself I'd eat something besides sugar this morning. Managed a semi-healthy plate. Progress!
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): DESERT EXCURSION! This was meant to be a highlight. Quad biking across the sand dunes, camel rides, the whole shebang. Reality? Wind. Sand. More wind. And my quad bike stubbornly refusing to go above a snail's pace. The camel ride was… bumpy. Let's just say my backside is still recovering. Anecdote: I nearly lost my sunglasses to the wind. I'm fairly certain one of the quad bikes was powered by elves.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Back at the resort. Buffet. I'm starting to question my life choices.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): SPA TIME! FINALLY. I needed this. A massage, a facial, the works. This was the highlight of the entire trip. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Emotional Reaction: Relief. The desert escapade had taken its toll. I felt every muscle unclench, every worry melt away. If I could live in the spa, I would.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Ate at the Italian restaurant. This was a gamble. Let's just say, it was not as good as my local Italian.
- Night (9:00 PM): Last night. Sat on the balcony, watched the stars.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections (AKA "Did I Really Just Eat That Much Pastry?")
- Morning (8:00 AM): FINAL breakfast. I went all-out. Pastries, fruit, the works. Regret is a luxury I can't afford right now.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Final swim in the pool. One last moment of sun.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Buffet again, before I left.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Headed to the airport. Farewell Melia Sharm!
- Emotional Reaction: Sad to leave, but also slightly relieved. I survived! And I have a feeling I'll be talking about those pastries for a while.
Final Thoughts:
Melia Sharm? Definitely worth it. The Red Sea is a must-see. The spa is a lifesaver. The buffet… well, it's an experience. Above all, it was an experience! I embraced the chaos, the imperfections, and the sheer absurdity of it all. Would I go back? Absolutely. Armed with extra sunscreen, a sturdier camel-riding strategy, and a solid plan to avoid those rogue falafel. And a serious pastry intervention. Consider yourself warned. :D
Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Villa Graffi in Assisi Awaits!
Alright, spill the tea! Is Escape to Paradise: Melia Sharm REALLY as luxurious as it sounds? I'm picturing myself being hand-fed grapes...
Okay, okay, settle down, drama queen/king. Hand-fed grapes? Maybe not *every* day. BUT, and I’m being honest here, it's pretty darn close. Look, I’ve stayed at places that promised heaven and delivered… well, lukewarm tap water. Melia Sharm? Nope. This place actually delivers on the "luxury" promise. Think plush robes, ridiculously comfortable beds (seriously, I slept like a baby, and I’m a notorious insomniac), and rooms that feel… spacious. I actually had room to breathe! And the staff? Obsessively attentive. I swear, if I looked even slightly lost, a helpful person would *appear* from nowhere, ready to guide me. It's a little unsettling at first, but you get used to being pampered. I'd say it's closer to a slightly-too-perfect dream than real-life, but you get used to it.
The food! The *food*! I LIVE to eat. What's the story at Melia Sharm? Is it all buffet boredom?
Okay, this is where things get *really* interesting, and let me tell you, as someone who considers food a love language, I have opinions. Buffet boredom? NOPE. Yes, there's a buffet – a *glorious* buffet – with more options than you can shake a pita bread at, even for breakfast. There was an Italian buffet, a fish one, a steak one, and even a *breakfast station with Nutella Crepes*. I'm drooling just remembering it. But the a la carte restaurants...oh, my Lord. I spent an entire afternoon getting lost in a seafood restaurant, which was worth the navigation confusion. I ordered a lobster, which, yeah, was incredibly decadent, but worth it. The flavors…. I still crave that grilled octopus! And the service? Impeccable. One time, I accidentally knocked over a glass of red wine (total butterfingers!) and before I could even apologize, someone was there with a cloth and a fresh glass. They didn't even blink! That's service. That said, make reservations for dinner well in advance. Learned that lesson the hard way on the first night. Sat at the bar, starving, for a while. Eventually, they brought me some olives. Wonderful olives. But still... learn from my mistake!
Is it all just sunbathing and cocktails by the pool, or are there things to *do*? (I get bored easily, you know.)
Right, because the thought of me just lying by a pool all day makes *me* want to yawn. Honestly, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Sunbathing and cocktails? Abso-freakin’-lutely. Pools galore. But also… snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea is a must! The coral reefs are stunning – seriously, like a whole other world. I saw more fish in one go than I've seen in my entire life. And the instructors are great, which is good, because I'm not exactly a natural underwater explorer (I'm more of a "hold-my-breath-and-panic" type). Plus, there's a spa. Get a massage. Seriously. Just do it. I had the best massage of my life. I almost fell asleep… almost. (I’m a terrible sleeper, remember?). Lots of activities, or none. The choice is truly yours. That's the magic of a good place, isn't it?
Okay, spill the dirt! What’s the WORST thing about Melia Sharm? Because all this perfection sounds…suspicious.
Aha! You're onto me! Nothing is flawless, of course. Okay, here's the (minor) tea: The Wi-Fi in the rooms can be a bit… temperamental. So if you’re glued to your phone for work or need to stream shows, be warned. And to be truly honest, the walk from some of the rooms to the main areas can feel a bit…far when you’re desperately craving a coffee in the morning. Once, I almost considered getting room service *for a coffee* instead, which is just embarrassing. But honestly, that's it. Compared to all the good stuff, it’s pretty insignificant. The biggest "problem" I had was leaving!
Is Melia Sharm good for families? Because I have a kid, and "luxury" hotels sometimes mean "stuffy and not kid-friendly".
Okay, this is a really important question. I saw plenty of families, and from what I could tell, they seemed to have a blast. There's a kids' club, and a dedicated pool area for the little ones. The staff were incredibly patient and friendly with children. I even saw some kids get away with quite impressive levels of mess at meal times without a raised eyebrow. But look, I don't have kids myself, so I can only go by observation. I *did* get the general impression that they cater well to families. However, if you have a super-hyperactive kid who needs constant stimulation, maybe check with their website first.
What's the vibe like? Is it all pretentious people sipping champagne, or is it actually…fun?
Okay, this is a big one. Look, I *hate* pretension. Thankfully, Melia Sharm, while luxurious, wasn’t stuffy. Yes, there were some well-heeled individuals, but mostly it was a mix of people. Couples, groups of friends, families… everyone seemed relaxed and genuinely enjoying themselves. The atmosphere was sophisticated, but not uptight. I certainly didn’t feel out of place in my slightly-worn t-shirt and sandals (don't judge me!). There were plenty of opportunities to socialize if you felt like it, and enough quiet corners if you just wanted to wallow in peace with a good book. Plus, the staff are so friendly and down-to-earth that they set the tone. So, yeah, fun. Definitely fun. I’m already planning my return, and that says it all, really. Now, where did I put my passport...?
Did you do anything *really* embarrassing? Spill the beans! I need a good laugh.
Oh, honey, you want embarrassing stories? You've come to the right person! Okay, so picture this: me, trying to be all adventurous and cool, attempting to snorkel for the *first* time. Now, I can't swim like a pro. I am what one might call "a floater." So I get all geared up, look like a total dork in my mask and flippers, and confidently jump in. And immediately start flailing. Like, *full-on* panic flailing. I swallowed half the Red Sea, inhaled a lot of seawater, and very nearly gave the other snorkelers a heart attack. Apparently, I was making a sound not unsimilar to a dying whale, as I was spluttering. The poor lifeguard! He had to rescue me. IStay While You Wander
